Method of and apparatus for tying neckties



June 20, 1950 H. c. RIORDAN ET AL 2,512,113

METHbD OF AND APPARATUS FOR TYING NECKTIES Filed March 15, 1947 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVLfNTORS, 55 a? 2.9 3 if fiowczixiGiPzay/aaia 342 3 1790 fie azmfim.

June 20, 1950 I H, c. RIORDAN ETAL METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR TYING NECKTIES 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed March 13, 1947 INVENTORS. /%zaai;ai CBZOZcZ/AIL BY J60 fiezfkie June 20, 1950 H. c. RIORDAN ETA]- 2,512,113

METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR TYING NECKTI ES Filed March 13, 1947 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 June 20, 1950 v H. c. RlORDAN El'AL 2,512,113

METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR mus NECKTIES Filed March 13, 1947 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTORS {7 BY J60 a June 20, 1950 H. c. RIORDAN ETAL 2,512,113

, METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR TYING NECKTIES Filed March 13, 1947 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 uwmvrozzsmm 6090mm BY J60 38% Patented June 20, 1950 METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR TYING NECKTIES Howard C. Riordan and Leo Bethke, Oak Park, Ill.

Application March 13, 1947, Serial No. 734,417

12 Claims. 1

This invention relates to a device for and method of preparing a necktie or the like so that such necktie is provided with a portion forming a permanent knot whereby the tie may be repeatedly tied and untied without destroying the knot.

The invention contemplates and has for its principal object the accomplishment of means embodying an insert that is sheathed within a portion of the tie and that is deformable by means of a simple and convenient apparatus into a generally tubular configuration adapted to slidably receive an end portion of the tie in a running fit,

to thereby form a loop in the neckband of the tie that may be readily prepared and taken apart without afiecting the knot. The invention is directed particularly toward the preparation of ready-tied neckties.

It is well known that a large proportion of men cannot effectively knot a necktie and have dimculty with the appearance of the knot itself or find it impossible to obtain even ends on the tie. Furthermore, it is well known that repeated knotting and untying of a tie rapidly wears out that portion of the tie of which the knot is made, while the remainder of the tieshows no signs of wear. It is an important object of the invention to contribute to the convenience and economy of men in general by providing a device for and method of preparing neckwear so that such neckwear is not subject to the disadvantages noted above.

Another important object of the invention is to provide a simple and inexpensive apparatus" by means of which the vendor of neckties may sell such ties in a ready-tied state. It is a further object of the invention to provide such apparatus of simple and inexpensive construction characterized by long life and ease of operation. It is still another important object of the invention to provide a simple method by means of which a permanent knot may be easily and quickly provided in a necktie by even the least skillful wearer.

Briefly, and specifically, the foregoing and other desirable objects and advantages of the invention are achieved in the preferred embodiment of the apparatus and by means of the preferred method shown herein, wherein there is provided a deformable insert, preferably of fiat lightweight metal, which is sheathed in a portion of the necktie intermediate the ends of the tie and which has its end portions bent over after being placed within the tie so that the ends of the tie extend respectively from opposite sides of the insert. After the end portions of the sheathed insert' are folded back on the body thereof, the

sheathed insert is, by forming means, formed into a U, the legs of which are subsequently rolled inwardly toward each other so that the sheathed insert forms generally a tube which slidably receives the small end of the necktie in a running fit, so that the neckband portion of the tie comprises a loop which may be established or taken apart without affecting the permanency of the knot formed by the tubular-shaped sheathed insert. The type of insert and the resultant knotted necktie provided thereby are disclosed and claimed in my copending application, Serial No. 734,416, filed March 13, 1947, for Necktie and tying article therefor.

A complete understanding of the construction and operation of the apparatus and of the accomplishment of the method forming the subject matter of the present invention may be obtained from the following detailed description of the preferred method and apparatus as illustrated in the accompanying sheets of drawings in which:

Fig. l is a plan view of the tying apparatus;

Fig. 2 is a view of one end of the apparatus shown in Fig. 1 and including in position thereon a necktie containing a sheathed insert;

Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 2 but including in position an additional part of the forming means;

Fig. 4 is a transverse sectional view taken substantially on the line 44 of Fig. 3, the first bending operation of the sheathed insert being shown in broken lines;

Fig. 5 is a detailed perspective view of the removable part of the forming or clamping means;

Fig. 6 is a view of the insert per se;

Figs. '7 to 12 are perspective views illustrating successive steps in the preliminary shaping of the sheathed insert;

Fig. 13 is a fragmentary plan view of the second forming means of the apparatus showing the positions therein of the necktie with its sheathed insert and the means for forming the sheathed insert into a U;

Fig. 14 is a transverse sectional view taken substantially on the line l4l4 of Fig. 13, the view showing in broken lines the position of one of the forming means preliminary to rolling a leg of the U of the sheathed insert;

Fig. 15 is a view similar to Fig. 14 but showing the inward rolling of the leg of the sheathed insert;

Fig. 16 is a view similar to Fig. 15 and shows the rolling in of the other leg of the U;

Fig. 17 is a view of the structure shown in Fig. 13 but showing the final positions assumed by the arms of the forming means when the generally tubular construction of the knot is completed;

Fig. 18 is a fragmentary perspective view showing the completed knot prior to the forming of the loop in the neckband of the tie;

Fig. 19 is a fragmentary perspective view showing the loop and the association of the smaller end of the tie with the generally tubular knot; and

Fig. 20 is a detailed perspective view of the second forming clamp per se.

The preferred form of the apparatus illustrated and described herein includes a broad generally flat base 30 of rectangular shape. The base, as well as the parts to be hereinafter described, is preferably constructed of light-weight metal; although, other material may be used. Likewise, various changes may be made in the construction and function of the apparatus Withe out departing from the spirit and principles of the invention.

The base has at one end (lower end as viewed in Fig. 1) a first forming means including a flattop ed anv l 3 havin pp s d. pr ably nonparallel, edges '32. The base includes at each edge of the anvil 3!. a pair of ears 33, each pair of which is coaxially apertured to provide a pivot axis generally along the respective edge 32 of the anvil. Each pair of ears, by means of pivot pins 34, carries a forming member in the form of a wing 35 having an inner edge 36 generally coincidental With the respective edge 32 of the anvil The outer portion of each wing 35 extends beyond the proximate corner of the base as at 3! to provide means whereb the operator may pivot the Wing.

The cars 33 in the smaller end of the anvil 3! (lower end as viewed in Fig. 1) are preferably continuous and are joined by an intermediate lug 3 epert red at 39 to receive another component of the first forming means in the form of a clamp or plate member 40 (Figs. 3, 4 and The plate 4.6 is provided with a generally fiat under surface and'w-ith opposite diverging guiding edges 4| complementary tothe edges 32 of the anvil 3|. The plate is removably mounted on the anvil by an integral projection 42 which is received by the aperture 39 in the lug 38, and by means of an integral bifurcated portion 43 on the plate which provides an open-ended slot 44 that receives a manually operated catch 45 pivoted at 46 on a pair of ears 41' on the baseat a portion thereof at the broadend of the anvil 3i.

The second forming means (Figs. 1, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 and 20) at the end of the base opposite the end at which the first forming means is positioned (upper end as viewed in Fig. 1). The second forming means includes a raised portion 56 preferably integral with and centrally disposed intermediate the long sides of the base 36. The portion 5!. is formed with a recess or trough 5| (Figs. 1 and 14) having its axis generally on the center line of the base 30. The trough or recess tapers orconverges in the general direction of the anvil 31. The central portion of the base 39 carries a laterally extending arm or support 52 preferably formed integral with the base and apertured at 53 at a point substantially on the center line of the base. A pair of ears 54 is provided at the larger end of the trough 5| and are preferably formed integral with the base. These ears carry, by means of a pivot pin 55, a catch 55. A second clamping member or element 51 (Figs. 13 and 20) is attached for cooperation with the trough 5|, as will be brought out hereinafter, and

is of generally tapered configuration complementary to the trough. As best shown in Fig. 20, the member 51 has a tapered elongated body including at one end an integral projection 58 and at its other end an integral bifurcated upwardly curved portion 59. The projection 58 is adapted to loosely fit the aperture 53 in the arm or support 52 (Fig. 13). The bifurcated portion 59 includes an open ended slot 60 which receives the pivoted catch 56. The upper portion of the body of the member 51 is recessed as at 6| for a purpose that will appear subsequently. The mem ber 51 is thus removably secured in place and comprises, with the trough 5|, 9. second clamping means for a purpose to be explained below.

The base 30 is provided at each of the opposite sides of the raised portion 59 and trough 51 with a pair of laterally extending ears 62 apertured to receive a pivot pin 63. The axis of each pivot pin generally parallels the proximate side of the trough 5!.

Each pivot pin t3 carries rockably thereon a cylindrical member in the form of a barrel 64 (Figs. 1, 14, 15 and 16). Each barrel carries rotatably thereon between the ears 62 a generally U-shaped holding member 65 having an inner contacting edge; 66 and a pair of legs 61 (Fig. 1). Each leg 61' of each member 65 is apertured at 68 to receive an end portion of its respective barrel 64 (also Fig. 1). The axis of each pin 63 and its associated barrel 64 iseccentric. Each barrel t4 carries thereon between the legs 61 of its respective U-shapedmember 65 a forming member indicated genera-11y by the numeral 69. Each member ,59 includes at its inner end a generally cylindrical portion bored to receive its associated barrel 64 and the member is pinned to the barrel as at 16. Each member 66 includes an operating handle H by means of which the member may be rocked about its pivot pin 63.

E'I'Qm the description thus far it will be seen that as each member 69' is rocked about its pin 63- associated holding member 65 is caused to he moved inWardly-ortoward the trough 5|. This result isaccomplished by means of the eccentricrelationship between each pin 63 and its associated barrel 64 and member 65. This function is best. shown in Figs. 15 and I6: in Fig. 15 the left-hand member 69 has been rocked inwardly, or in a clockwise direction and the contacting edge 6.6; is shown as being closer to the clamping. member 51 than isthe contacting edge 66 on, the right-hand member 69; the converse result is shown in Fig. 16. Fig. 14 shows both contacting edges t6 spaced laterally outwardly a relatively substantial distance from the member 51,.

Each member 69 carries at a portion thereof intermediate the end of its handle H and its mounting on the pin 63 a shaping or forming portion I2. The function of these portions will be brought out subsequently in connection with the description of the operation of the apparatus and the function performed thereby.

1 They apparatus described above is adapted to function in connection with the tying of a necktie in accordance with, the method to be presently described. The necktie is indicated generally by the numeral and may be of conventional construction which one end BI is substantially wider or larger than the other end 82. A portion of, the necktie intermediate its ends is of substantially a uniform width and forms the neckband as indicated at 83 in Figs. 18 and 19. The necktie shown herein, like the conventional necktie, is of tubular" construction; that is to say, the tie is formed of a relatively long piece of material folded inwardly from its opposite sides toward its longitudinal axis so that the tie is of double thickness. Ordinarily the inner edges of the folded end portion are stitched together. The tie may further carry or be provided with a stiffener S (Fig. 4), formed, as is usual, of relatively coarse fabric. The apparatus and method of the present invention will function in connection with anecktie with or without a stifiener, although the apparatus and method are devised principally to accomplish the purposes of the invention in connection with standard commercial products, which is a particular advantage of the invention.

The standard coommercial necktie, or even special neckties known in the art, will not take a permanent knot without the addition of some supporting or shaping means. Various neckties are known in which the knot is preformed in a permanent state by means of the addition of some material which contributes to the simulation of a knot. Such ties function ordinarily in conjunction with a secondary neckband, usually elastic, and, unlike the necktie prepared according to the present invention, are not wholly of one piece. In other words, neck-- ties of the prior art are special rather than standard products. According to the present invention any standard necktie may be prepared with a permanent non-destructible knot (by non-destructible knot is meant one that is not untied when the wearer removes his necktie).

In the preparation of a necktie by means of the apparatus and method provided by the present invention, there is employed a blank or insert 85 (Fig. 6). This insert is preferably of bendable light-weight sheet metal construction; although any suitable substitute therefor may be employed. Whatever material is employed, it is desired that the same have the characteristics of relatively easy bending, some resiliency, and ability to retain its formed shape against the force of ordinary wear and tear. blank 85 shown herein includes a main body portion 88 of generally butterfly" configuration, lightened at 81 by the removal of metal. One wing of the butterfly body 86 includes an integral extension 88 foldable or bendable with respect to the main body 86 along anedge of its associated wing portion. The line of folding is indicated by a broken line in Fig. 6 and is designated by the letter A. An arrow is added to the figure to indicate the general direction of bending of the extension 88 with respect to the body 88. The other wing of the body carries a generally triangular extension 89 integral with its associated wing and :bendable with respect thereto along a line of folding indicated by broken lines in Fig. 6 and designated by the letter B. An arrow in the figure indicates the general direction of folding. The extension 88 includes a further extension or ear 88 integral with the extension 89 and foldable with respect thereto along a line indicated by broken lines in Fig. 6 and designated by the letter C. The general direction of folding is indicated by an arrow in the figure. The extension 89 is lightened at 9| by the removal of metal.

The operation of the apparatus and the description of the preferred method of tying the necktie according to the principles of the present invention will be set forth together for a better understanding of both.

The insert or The insert or blank is first sheathed between the opposite folds of the tie 88 at a portion of the tie just to the side of the neckband portion 83 toward the larger end portion 8| (Fig. 2), or, in other words. the sheathing of the insert is accomplished at substantially the junction of the neckband and the larger portion of the tie, and preferably behind or rearwardly of the stifiener S (Fig. 4).

The intermediate portion of the necktie, thus stilfened by the sheathed insert 85, is then folded to the position of Fig. 7; that is to say, the folding is accomplished by bending the tab 88 on the insert 85 upwardly along the line A (Fig. 6).

This folding step in the method is readily effected by the apparatus herein disclosed. The tie and insert are laid on the anvil 3| (Fig. 2) and the clamping plate 48 is mounted in positionv (Fig. 3). The left-hand wing member 35 is raised upwardly to the broken line position shown in Fig. 4.

The larger end portion 8! is folded about the upturned tab 88 of the insert 85 so that it extends at one side of and at an angle to the neckband portion 83 of the tie as shown in Fig. 8. The sheathed tab 88 is then folded downwardly on top of the body of the insert or blank 85 as shown in Fig. 9. The completion of this fold may be accomplished by continued swinging movement of the left-hand wing or forming member 35. The arrangement of the pivot axis of the member 35 with respect to the proximate guidin edge 8| of the plate 48 effects an accurate fold or bend, the sheathed insert having been previously located on the anvil 3| with the bending or folding line A along the edge 32 of the anvil.

The other side of the sheathed insert 85 is then folded to the position shown in Fig. 10, this step in the operation being effected by the right-hand wing member 35. In this case the fold is along the line B of the insert (Fig. 6). Since the line of folding B is disposed diagonally to the main body of the insert 85, the smaller end portion 82 of the necktie will extend at an angle to the insert at the side thereof opposite that from which the larger portion 8! extends (Fig. 11).

The next step in the forming of the knot is accomplished by hand without the use of the apparatus and involves the folding of the tab 833 on the insert back upon the wing or tab 88 (Fig. 12). This operation reverses the facing of the neckband portion 83 so that it may extend in a direction suitable for the forming of the neck loop and so that the seam or line of stitching will be disposed toward the neck of the wearer (compare Fig. 13 with Fig. 11).

The successive steps in the operation as performed by means of the anvil 3! and wing mem bers 35 leave the necktie as shown in Fig. 12. The necktie is then removed from itsv position on the anvil 3|, this removal being easily accom plished by means of the quickly releasable connections for the plate 48. The necktie, folded as aforesaid, is then placed over the trough 5| of the forming portion 58. The forming member 51 is then placed in position and depressed so that it may be locked to the base by the catch 56 (Fig. 13). The depressing of the member 51 forms the folded sheathed blank or insert of Fig. 12 into an element having a U-shaped cross section (Fig. 14). The free ends or legs of the U are then turned or folded inwardly. These steps may be accomplished by the apparatus asshown in Figs. le to 17; first, one form;

ing member stand thenthe other, isv swung, to a position in which the: portion 1-2 thereon engages an edgeorleg of the U:,.as indicated .in brokenlines in Fig. 1%. Continued depression of the member 68 rolls the leg oi the U inwardly and downwardly, the recess or groove fil in the member '51 accommodating or receiving the rolledein edge (Fig. 15). l

Simultaneously with the rolling of the edge of the .U by maximum depression ofthe member 6|, the U-shaped member 65'. because: of its pivotal cam mounting, is moved inwardly so that its contacting edge 55 engages an intermediate side portion of the U to prevent lateral displacement thereof outwardly. In effect. the side portion of the U is squeezed between the side of the memher-T and the portion 66' of the member 65 (Fig. 15). The same results obtain from similar operation ofthe' other member 69 (Fig. 16).

The final forming of the knot is preferably accomplished after removal of the forming member 51 and then simultaneously depressing the handles to a position lower than that illustrated for the right-hand handle in Fig. 16. This operation will force the inturned free ends of the U farther inwardly and downwardly from the position illustrated in Fig. 16, decreasing the transverse dimensions of the sliding loop or U and bringing the inturned ends thereof closer together as illustrated in Figs. 18 and 19. The tie is then removed from the apparatus after swinging the handles H upwardly and outwardly to the position occupied by the left-hand handle in Fig. 16.

There is thus formed by the apparatus and method just described a knot indicatedg'enerally by the letter K. This knot is in the form of a, generally tubular element having its axis lying substantially on the axis of the larger portion 8! or the necktie. The knot K, or the tube forming the same, is open at one side, as designated by the numeral 5'2. The neokband portion 83 extends upwardly and outwardly from the knot K (Fig. 18) The smaller end 82 of the tie 88 may then be brought around to form a loop, which step is completed by insertion of the portion 82 into the generally tubular knot K. This operation may be accomplished by inserting the tie portion 32 edgewise through the slot 92 in the knot K or by inserting that portionemh wise or longitudinally through the knot. In either event the knot K slidably receives that portion of the tie requisite to the forming of the neck loop; in other words, the relationship between the knot K and the neckband 83 is in the nature of a running fit. The knot K, being stiffened by the insert or blank 85 and being covered with the fabric of the tie, has frictional engagement with the neckband 33 so that the knot, when the tie is put on by the wearer, will remain in place with respect to the neckband. The size of the loop formed by the association between the neckband and the knot is, of course, adjustable to suit the size of the neck or" the wearer. The wearer may untie the tie merely by loosening the neckband to enlarge the same sufdciently to slip over his head, by withdrawing the smaller end portion 82 axially from the knot K or by removing the portion 82 edgewise through the opening or slot 92 in the knot K. The'necktie construction thus provided will conveniently suit the tastes and habits of various wearers.

It is proposed that an apparatus of the type set forth herein be included among the equipment of a'vendoroi neckties so that-he may fashion knots in ties selectedby customers. In other words, the vendors will not immediately tie all ties on the apparatus or by the method herein 5 set forth, since some men may prefer to knot their own ties in the conventional fashion. The arrangement is also such-that the tying of the tieaocording to the present invention may be accomplished without the use of the apparatus;

since. the insert 85 ispreferably easilydeformable and has the ability to retain its shape once formed, it will be convenient for customers to tie their own neckties by hand. Similarly, they may purchase several inserts and use the same in neckties already owned by them.

The method and apparatus lend themselves readily to the tastes and desires of various individuals. The knot K accurately simulates or resembles theneatest type or knot that can be 20 tied. A necktieso fashioned. is not subjected to rapid wear, since it is not tied and untied in the usualsense; the knot K is virtually undestructable. The insert'stmay, however, be unfolded and removed from the tie.

The foregoing description and the drawings to which it refers pertain to a preferred apparatus and a preferred method. Various modifications and alterations will undoubtedly suggest themselves to those skilled in the art. It is not desired therefore that the: invention be limited to the exact details oiconstruction and the exact performance of theopei'ation set forth herein, since many changes'may be effected without departing from the spirit andscopeof the invention as set forth in-the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. Anapparatus of the class described for tying a necktie by means of a deformable blank sheathed in a portion of 3.; necktie intermediate 40 its ends, comprising: a generally flat, broad base;

means onthe base: providing a substantiall flattopped anvil having a pair of opposite, non-parallel edges; means providing a plate having an under surface and: opposite edges complementary to theanvil; means for removably mounting the plate in position on the anvil with the necktiesheathed blank'between the top or the anvil and the under surface-ofthe plate and .withend portions of the-sheathed blank projecting at opposite. edges of the anvil and plate; means including a pair of wing members respectively at the edgesoftheanvil and normally positioned to lie beneath and to. receive the projecting ends-of the sheathed blank; and means mounting the wings on. the base andincluding pivotson diverging axeslying: respectively. along the anvil edges and providing for pivoting of eaohwing member upwardly, whereby the projecting end portions of the sheathed blankare bent along the edges of theplate;

base and-the under surface or the plate and with the end portions of the'sheathed blank projecting at the opposite edges of the plate; means including a pair-"of wing'members respectively at thaefdges or the plate and normally positioned to lie beneath and toreceive the rojecting ends of the sheathed blank; and means mounting the wings on the base and including pivots on axes lying respectively along the plate edges and providing for pivoting of each wing member upwardly, whereby the projecting end portions of the sheathed blank are bent along the edges of the plate.

3. An apparatus of the class described for tying a necktie by means of a deformable blank sheathed in a portion of the necktie intermediate its end-s, comprising: a support having an anvil portion for carrying the necktie-sheathed blank; means including a removable forming clamp having opposed forming edges for securing the sheathed blank to the anvil portions with end portions of the sheathed blank projecting respectively at the opposite edges of the forming clamp; folding means utilized in folding the projecting edges of the sheathed blank back upon a side of the body of such blank and including a pair of wing members pivoted on the support respectively at opposite edges of the clamp for bending the projecting edges of the sheathed blank along the forming edges of the clamp; means on the support providing a trough over which the sheathed blank, folded as aforesaid, is supported; means including a second forming clamp removably associated with the support and complementary to and cooperable with the trough to form the folded, sheathed blank into a U; and means including a pair of forming elements pivoted on the support respectively at opposite sides of the trough and constructed and arranged to bend the legs of the U inwardly toward each other.

4. An apparatus of the class described for tying a necktie by means of a deformable blank sheathed in a portion of the necktie intermediate its ends, comprising: a support; means including a forming clamp having opposed forming edges for securing the sheathed blank to the support with end portions of the sheathed blank projecting respectively at the opposite edges of the forming clamp; folding means utilized in folding the projecting edges of the sheathed blank over onto a side of the body of such blank and including pivotable elements at opposite edges of the clamp for bending the projecting edges of the sheathed blank along the forming edges of the clamp; means on the support providing a trough over which the sheathed blank, folded as aforesaid, is supported; means including a second forming clamp removably associated with the support and complementary to and cooperable with the trough to form the folded, sheathed blank into a U; and means movable with respect to the support respectively at opposite sides of the trough and constructed and arranged to bend the legs of the U inwardly toward each other.

5. An apparatus of the class described for tying a necktie by means of a deformable blank sheathed in a portion of the necktie intermediate its ends, comprising: means for clamping the sheathed blank at opposed faces thereof with opposite ends of the sheathed blank projecting beyond the clamping means; means for bending the projecting ends of the clamped sheathed blank as an initial ste facilitating the folding of such ends back upon the central portion of the sheathed blank; meansfor bending the sheathed blank, folded as aforesaid, into a U; and means for bending the legs of the U inwardly toward each other.

6. An apparatus of the class described for tying a necktie by means of a deformable blank sheathed in a portion of the necktie intermediate its ends, omprising: a support; means providing a plate; means for removably mounting the plate in position on the support with the necktiesheathed blank between the support and the plate and with an end portion of the sheathed blank projecting at an edge of the plate; means includ ing a forming member normally contiguously facing the projecting end of the sheathed blank; and means mounting the forming member on the support and including a pivot on an axis lying generally along the aforesaid edge and providing for pivoting of the forming member away from the support, whereby the projecting end portion of the sheathed blank is bent along the aforesaid edge of the plate.

'7. An apparatus of the class described for tying a necktie by means of a deformable blank sheathed in a portion of the necktie intermediate its ends, comprising: means for clamping the sheathed blank at opposed faces thereof with opposite ends of the sheathed blank projecting beyond the clamping means; means for folding the projecting ends back upon the sheathed blank; means for bending the sheathed blank, folded as aforesaid, into a U; means for holding the legs of the U against outward displacement; and means for bending the leg ends of the U inwardly toward each other.

8. The method of tying a necktie of the type having a tubular construction, comprising the steps of: sheathing a relatively short deformable insert within the tie at a portion of the tie intermediate its ends, leaving said ends free; folding opposite end portions of the sheathed insert back upon the body thereof so that the ends of the tie extend away from the insert at opposite sides thereof; forming the sheathed insert, folded as aforesaid, into a U; further rolling the ends of the legs of the U inwardly toward each other to provide substantially a tube; and placing an end of the tie longitudinally and slidably within the tube to provide a running loop.

9. The method of tying a necktie of the type having a tubular construction, comprising the steps of: sheathing a relatively short deformable insert within the tie at a portion of the tie intermediate its ends, leaving said ends free; folding opposite end portions of the sheathed insert back upon the body thereof so that the ends of the tie extend away from the insert at opposite sides thereof; forming the sheathed insert, folded as aforesaid, into a U; and further rolling the ends of the legs of the U inwardly toward each other to provide substantially a tube adapted to slidably receive an end of the tie in a running fit.

10. In an apparatus utilized in tying a necktie which sheaths a deformable blank within a portion between the ends of such necktie: a base; clamping means on said base and having a pair of converging edges, said clamping means being adapted to receive a central body portion of the sheathed blank while opposite end portions thereof project outwardly from said onverging edges; a pair of wing members respectively adjacently to said converging edges and adapted to lie face upwardly in opposed contiguous relation with the sheathed blank end portions; and means mounting the wing members on said base, said mounting means including pivots on converging axes respectively beside and in parallelism with the converging clamping means edges and providing for upward swinging of the wing members for bending the projecting end portions of the sheathed blank upwardly along said converging edges.

11. An apparatus of the class described for tying a necktie by means of a deformable blank sheathed in a portion of the necktie intermediate its ends, comprising: means for clamping the sheathed blank at opposed faces thereof with opposite ends of the sheathed blank projecting beyond the clamping means; means for folding the projecting ends back upon the sheathed blank; means for bending the sheathed blank, folded as aforesaid, into a U; and means for bending the leg ends of the U inwardly toward each other.

12. An apparatus of the class described for tying a necktie by means of a deformable blank sheathed in a portion of the necktie intermediate its ends, comprising: means. for clamping the sheathed blank at opposed faces thereof with opposite ends of the sheathed blank projecting beyond the clamping means; means for bending the projecting ends of the clamped sheathed blank as an initial step facilitating thefolding of such ends back upon the central portion of the sheathed blank; and means for bending the folded sheathed blanl; into an open-sided tubular formation wherein the fold lines at the bases of the projecting end portions are in opposed contiguous relation and extend in parallelism axially of the tube.

HOWARD C. RIORDAN.

LEO BETHKE.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

U I D Si dTE PA'I'E Numbe a a e 2 63 9 ys m -.r--c-- D c. 8, 193 2,170,707 Chapel Aug. 22, 1939 

